Homestead Nursing Home Abuse

Homestead is an agricultural suburb located in South Florida's Miami-Dade County. Since 2002, the area has seen an explosion of developments, new businesses, and new residences. Close to the famous Everglades national Park, Homestead has many green spaces as well as quality schools and attractions.

Homestead nursing home negligence and abuse is an extremely difficult subject for many families. Many families may notice symptoms of abuse and neglect when visiting an elderly loved one in a nursing home. These symptoms can include:

1) Inattentive staff. Families may notice that staff refuse to answer questions, fail to correct potential problems, fail to answer call lights, and do not provide information when requested.

2) Malnutrition and weight loss of the patient. This can indicate neglect in cases where a staff or facility fails to provide adequate food or adequate quality food.

3) Poor hygiene of the patient. In cases where a nursing home is overstaffed or where staff are inattentive, a patient may not be changed or may not have access to washing up regularly. This can lead to body odor, bed sores, poorly maintained hair, and other symptoms. Poor hygiene is a cause for concern as it can lead to bed sores, infections, and other harmful and potentially life-threatening conditions.

4) Decubitus Pressure Ulcers and bedsores. Families visiting an elderly loved one who notice these symptoms should investigate the cause, since these symptoms can indicate that a patient is not moved often enough and is therefore neglected.

5) Signs of an unsanitary facility. Families visiting an elderly loved one may notice symptoms of bug bites, lice, infestations of vermin, and other symptoms of poor sanitation. This can be extremely dangerous, as poor hygiene and sanitation can lead to a host of illnesses. In many cases the elderly have compromised immune systems and are not able to fight off illnesses as well, so an unsanitary facility can prove fatal.

6) Fractures. Any fractured or broken bone should be investigated immediately. While some elderly residents can suffer from osteoporosis, Homestead slip and fall accidents are a common concern in nursing homes, and nursing homes should take extra precautions to ensure that residents are safe from slip and fall accidents.

7) Theft of personal property. If a resident no longer has certain items in their possession and they appear to be stolen or if an elderly resident suddenly seems to have less money, it is possible that they have been the victim of theft or financial abuse.

8) Unexplained injuries, infections, dehydration, or any medical condition. Family members should be made immediately aware of any medical condition or any injury of the patient. This situation should be explained thoroughly to the family. In cases where injuries and medical conditions seem frequent or in cases where they are not discussed and explained, families should be wary.

9) Resident is uncommunicative. In many cases, victims of Homestead nursing home abuse and neglect cases are reluctant to come forward. They may be fearful of other patients or staff, or maybe embarrassed by their situation. Lack of communication or sudden withdrawal, however, are common sign of neglect and abuse. A resident's personality and behavior may also change dramatically if they are the victim of abuse or neglect. They may have trouble sleeping, for example, or may have less interest in everyday activities.

10) Illegal restraints. Residents should never be restrained using arm and hand restraints unless there is a strong medical reason. They should also not be left in wheelchairs alone for extended periods of time. In cases where residents are illegally restrained, this could be an indication that staff are unable or unwilling to care for each resident and simply leave them alone for much of the time. This can be a danger to a resident's physical and emotional health, so it is important to investigate any such situation.

The Flaxman Law Group has documented expertise in helping victims of Homestead nursing home abuse and neglect. The legal team at the Flaxman Law Group has successfully represented many South Florida personal injury and nursing home abuse victims and has achieved many multimillion dollar settlements to help victims get back on track with their lives.

If you believe that your elderly loved one is suffering from Homestead nursing home abuse or neglect, contact the Flaxman Law Group today. The Flaxman Law Group can investigate possible abuse and neglect, can help you find a safe home for your elderly loved one, and can pursue your case to ensure that those responsible are held liable for their actions. If your case results in a legal claim, the Flaxman Law Group is willing to represent you on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay legal fees until the Flaxman Law Group recovers money on your behalf. Your first consultation with the Flaxman Law Group is free of charge and comes with no obligation, so you risk nothing by getting the facts about your case and your rights.